Doctors save cocaine smuggler’s life

Two suspected drug traffickers have tested positive for narcotic ingestion at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos. Officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency said that one of the suspects inserted four wraps of cocaine, weighing 210 grammes, in his anus while another ingested 67 wraps, also of cocaine, weighing 1.085kg. A total of 1.295kg of cocaine was found with both suspects. According to the NDLEA Airport Commander, Hamza Umar, tension was high when one of the suspects, Onedigbo Chibueze Emmanuel, 28, going to Pakistan, could not expel one wrap of cocaine. Umar said: “While Akwaeze Anthony successfully expelled all 67 wraps of cocaine he ingested without assistance, the case of Onedigbo Chibueze Emmanuel, who inserted four wraps of cocaine in his anus, was different. “He was unable to expel one of the wraps until medical doctors came to his rescue. “We were disturbed because his life was in danger.” Officials were worried that the suspects may die like others who ingest narcotic drugs due to the poisonous nature of drugs. Preliminary investigation revealed that Onedigbo Chibueze Emmanuel is an unrepentant drug trafficker who was recently deported from Thailand after serving a three-year jail term over drug related offences. He was apprehended during the screening of passengers on Qatar Airline flight. According to Onedigbo: “It is true that I was deported in February 2013 after serving three years jail term in Thailand. “I went back into drug smuggling because there was nothing for me to sustain myself. “My desire was to get some money from the drug deal and establish a business that can help me prepare for my future. “I feel so sad that it turned out this way.” The suspect hails from Okija in Anambra State. In his confessional statement, Akwaeze Anthony Obinna said that he was enticed by an offer of N1 million. He said: “I am a trader at Ahiaohuru Market, Aba where I sell textiles. “My business has suffered huge losses and I wanted to use the N1 million they promised to pay me in strengthening my business. “I never thought of arrest because my mind was focussed on how to revive my business. “It is hardship that led me into drug trafficking. “I am from a poor family. “Things are bad that I had to abandon my Guidance and Counselling studies at 200 level at Abia State University.” He is a 2001 graduate of Giant Steps International Secondary School, Ogbor Hill, Aba, Abia State. The suspect hails from Umunya, Anambra State. The Chairman/Chief Exercutive of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, described the suspects’ action as sad. Giade said: “It is very sad that a drug convict is involved in drug trafficking few months after his release and deportation. “This shows that he is not remorseful. “I urge members of the public to resist any temptation to smuggle drugs. “You do not need to be involved in crime to be successful. “It will tarnish your good name and lead to frustration.” The suspects will soon be charged to court.